Stephen Hawking begins search for "Einsteins of Africa"

London, May 12 : Stephen Hawking, the physicist of international acclaim, has launched a search for the "Einsteins of Africa", which would seek some of the most brilliant scientists of Africa.

According to a report in the Telegraph, Professor Hawking announced the launch of this search with a lecture at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in Cape Town.

AIMS was founded four years ago by Neil Turok, professor of mathematical physics at Cambridge University, and an education activist. The centre receives six applications for every place and 160 people have graduated from it so far.

Titled "Universe", the lecture at AIMS marked the expansion of the postgraduate institution in an effort to accelerate Africa's development.

"The world of science needs Africa's brilliant talents, and I look forward to meeting prospective young Einsteins from Africa in the near future," said Hawking.

"If my visit helps to create opportunities for Africans to enter maths and science, I will be delighted," he added.

"As well as an African Einstein, we want to see the African Gates, Brins and Pages of the future," said Professor Turok, referring to the founders of Microsoft and Google.

Two Nobel physics laureates, along with the head of Nasa, also took part in the lecture.